Background
During arrival, the pilot requested a special VFR clearance to the airport. Air traffic control advised that the weather was partially obscured, with visibility of 1 mile due to fog and calm winds. As the pilot continued the approach, all flights were advised that visibility had dropped to 1/2 mile.
Approach
Subsequently, the pilot requested clearance for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 7. After being cleared for the approach, the pilot was advised that the runway visual range (RVR) was 2,000 feet at the touchdown zone, 1,000 feet at the midpoint, and 1,600 feet at the rollout. Contact with the aircraft was lost as it neared the airport.
Accident
The aircraft was later found where it had collided with trees and crashed approximately 1,400 feet left of the runway and 500 feet past the threshold.
Investigation
Investigation revealed that the initial impact occurred with the aircraft in a level attitude. Examination showed that the flaps were fully retracted and the throttle was fully open. Propeller damage indicated that the propeller was rotating at high revolutions per minute during impact. Records indicated that the aircraft had an inoperative turn coordinator; no other part failure or malfunction was evident.
Weight and Balance
A check of the weight and balance information showed that at the time of the crash, the aircraft was approximately 55 pounds over its maximum gross weight limitation, and the center of gravity was approximately 0.5 inch behind the aft limit.